How should we respond when we see others straying from biblical teachings? Setting the Scene in Judges 18:4 “He told them what Micah had done for him, saying, ‘He hired me and I became his priest.’” (Judges 18:4) Micah’s private shrine and self-appointed priest exposed a quiet drift from God’s clear commands for worship. When we notice similar drift in others today, Scripture gives us a gracious but firm roadmap. Recognizing the Drift • Compromise often starts small—an “alternate” way to worship, a softened stance on truth, a buried sin. • Like Micah’s Levite, people may accept roles or beliefs God never authorized, simply because the offer is attractive or convenient. • Our first task: discern the difference between personal preference and genuine deviation from God’s Word (Acts 17:11). Our Heart Posture First • “You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5) • Examine motives: Are we driven by love for God and others, or by irritation, pride, or fear of change? • Pray for humility and clarity before speaking; we can’t lead someone out of a ditch while standing in one ourselves. Steps Toward Restoration 1. Private Conversation “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15) 2. Small-Group Confirmation “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along…” (Matthew 18:16) 3. Church Involvement “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” (Matthew 18:17) 4. Loving Separation if Needed “With such a man do not even eat… Expel the wicked man from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:11, 13) Throughout each step: • “Restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) • “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:15) Truth Anchored in Scripture “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Our opinions carry no authority; God’s Word does. • Use clear passages that address the issue rather than obscure or debatable texts. • Keep the focus on returning to Christ, not winning an argument. Maintaining Purity in the Assembly • “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:6) • Unchecked error spreads, dulling the church’s witness and harming souls. • Loving correction protects the flock and honors Christ’s holiness. Encouraging Perseverance “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20) • Restoration is worth the awkward conversations. • Celebrate repentance the way heaven does (Luke 15:7). Summary Takeaways • Notice the drift early. • Check your own heart. • Follow the biblical process—private first, broader only as necessary. • Speak truth anchored in Scripture, seasoned with grace. • Aim for restoration, not embarrassment. • Guard the purity of the church while extending patient love. |
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